Season of Advent
Click here to read “Advent in the Jubilee of Hope” by the Most Reverend Michael Sis, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo.

By Loretta Fulton

The Hanging of the Greens, Advent Fairs, and the publication of daily devotional booklets signal that the season of Advent has arrived.

The first day of Advent will be Sunday, Nov. 30, with many liturgical churches observing The Hanging of the Greens or decorating the church in greenery. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” Christians are encouraged to take time for reflection during the season as they await the comfing of Christ. Advent also is the beginning of a new liturgical year. The introduction to an Advent devotional guide from the Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University explains:

“Advent is the season leading up to Christmas and Epiphany, opening up the year of worship for many Christian communities. Celebrating Advent in a methodical and meaningful way allows Christians to find deeper meaning than the holiday season otherwise offers.”

Faculty, students, alumni, and friends of the graduate school wrote daily devotionals for “Singing With the Shepherds” Vol. 3. Click here to download the devotional booklet.

Members of Pioneer Drive Baptist church also prepared a daily devotional booklet, with the theme, “Genealogy of Jesus: The Family of Jesus.” A devotional will be emailed each morning throughout Advent. Click here to sign up for the daily emails. Booklets can also be picked up at the church office, 701 S. Pioneer Drive. 

On Sunday mornings throughout Advent, lessons will focus on the various characters from Matthew 1, including Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. A promotional email explains: “These women had to overcome significant obstacles in their life, but God still worked through them and their family to bring salvation to the world.”

Advent devotional booklet from Pioneer Drive Baptist Church

The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meader St., will have Advent Prayer Stations set up in Gerhart Hall from Nov. 30 through Dec. 21. The stations include places for making Advent wreaths, Advent paper chains, a section for reflection and prayer, and a quiet space for children to explore nativity scenes, books, and puzzles. The Prayer Stations are open to everyone. 

First Central Presbyterian Church will have an Advent Fair beginning at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Events will be held in the church’s Faith Hall. The fair will feature Christmas cookie decorating, a bounce house, snacks, hot chocolate, crafts, and a cake auction. A special treat will be a game of Jeopardy that will feature categories such as Christmas, the Bible, FCPC history, and other topics. All proceeds from the Advent Fair will go toward the medical mission trip that the church is taking to Kenya in March 2026.

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene

Top photo credit: Markus Grossalber on VisualHunt